A MEETING is being set up with a government minister in Westminster to discuss controversial changes to child bus tickets in York.

As The Press reported last week, back in July First York decided to remove their monthly child bus tickets, and with the new school term now underway parents said the changes will leave them out of pocket to the tune of hundreds of pounds.

And, after meeting with York Outer Labour MP, Luke Charters, the company has said it will look again at the decision.

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First say the decision was made to scrap the ticket as it didn't exist in other parts of the country and parents with children travelling to school in York continue to benefit from the £1 child single fare, which means a cost of £10 per week, which is slightly lower than the new child week ticket costing £10.50.

But parents have said the removal of monthly passes for children has placed an unexpected financial burden on many parents, who now face increased transportation costs for their children’s daily commutes to school and other activities.

On Monday (September 9) Mr Charters spoke about the issue in the House of Commons raising it with Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood.

Mr Charters said: "I was saddened to hear First had withdrawn their monthly bus pass. Travel to and from school should be affordable. Will the minister meet with me to discuss the future of buses in York?"

To which Simon Lightwood agreed to meet the York MP to discuss it further.

 

 

First York is reviewing its monthly child bus pass changes after a meeting with MP Luke ChartersFirst York is reviewing its monthly child bus pass changes after a meeting with MP Luke Charters (Image: Supplied)

Mum, Sarah Taylor, who has been impacted by the change, said: "It's a huge relief to see that ordinary families are being heard, and that MPs like Luke Charters are taking swift action on our behalf.

"It doesn't seem fair that adults can still purchase monthly passes, but children in York can't."

Mr Charters said: "Over the past few days, my inbox has been inundated with residents contacting me with their concerns about the decision to cut the 11 - 16 monthly bus pass. 

"Since the announcement I have had numerous conservations with First Bus about this decision and relayed residents understandable concerns."

A First spokesman said: "I can confirm that in a meeting with Luke Charters we did agree that we'd look at a further review."